Hiking off trail through woods and prairie with Alonzo not only gives him great enrichment but also continues to build on his resilience. Oh, and build on my joy. I love watching my boy in his joy!

Training a fearful dog is like teaching a kid to swim. Start where they won’t drown.- Deb Jacob’s

Dogs need enrichment, both mentally and physically, throughout the day to support their well-being. Easy way to start offering more enrichment is to feed your dog from puzzle toys, or through searching and finding activities. Forging in hunting for food is a very natural and enjoyable behavior.

Seriously! The best puppy training advice I’ve heard.
Step 1: roll up in the newspaper and keep it handy!
Step 2: if your puppy pees on anything or choose something up, pick up the roll newspaper!
Step 3: Hit YOURSELF in the head while saying “I should’ve been watching my puppy!”

Repeat as needed

Beneath every behavior is a feeling. And beneath every feeling is a need. And when we meet that need rather than focus on behavior, we begin to deal with the cause and not the symptom. - Ashleigh Warner

Puppies need a lot of sleep, uninterrupted. Tired puppies can be cranky and mouthy. In a loud and active home it can be helpful to designate a quiet place away from activity for your puppy to rest peacefully.

Alonzo is my 6 month old Bracco Italian puppy. He has been learning Lost Item Recovery (LIR) since 3 months of age. He is a natural at search/scent work, and loves it This training gives him enrichment, structure, and a job he loves to do!

Is sacrificing your dog’s comfort, sense of security, trust in you, and joy in life worth perfect obedience at any cost, no matter how what the means, shock/e-collars, pinch/prong collar… I say NO! Choose positive reinforcement training. You should be your dogs safest place, don’t let them down.